Bhutan Trekking - The Druk Path

About Bhutan

Where else but the happiest country in the world could you trek among the Himalayas, smiling the whole time at the sheer beauty of the temples and landscapes around you? This active tour will get you out and about to visit some of the most gorgeous temples and monasteries in this part of the world. Trek sacred mountain passes of the celebrated Druk Path, ascend to the profound Taktshang Monastary (Tiger’s Nest), and explore the unique beauty of the city of Paro. Bhutan is the only place in the world just waiting for you to walk all over its happiness. (Warning, it’s contagious here.)

Hike among mystical peaks in the Himalaya, visit various dzongs and Buddhist gompas, trek along the famous Druk Path, enjoy incredible views of Mt Jomolhari, take in stunning Himalayan mountain views

Important Notes

1. CAMERARULES
Please note there may be times during your visit to Bhutan when the use of video and/or still cameras may be inappropriate. Local people may consider that filming is too intrusive and in these circumstances we will request that you do not film. At all times be aware and sensitive to the impact of photography and seek permission before taking photographs of people and respect their wishes if they refuse.

If you are still using film for a camera, bring plenty of it – film is often hard to find in Bhutan and can be of inferior quality.

2. CULTURE
Accommodation in Bhutan can be very simple. Electricity and water can often be sporadic. All meals are included and almost always buffet-style with plenty of western options.

Bhutan, a Buddhist country, believes in ahimsa so the barking of dogs (and there are a lot of them) at night can be annoying. It’s advisable to bring earplugs. If you are able to travel with a lot of patience and a good sense of humour, then we know that you – like all of us – will be captivated by what Bhutan has to offer.

3. CLOTHES
The prime requirement for clothes you bring on Bhutan trip is that they are comfortable and appropriate to the weather conditions that you are likely to meet. For protection against cold, particularly at night, a number of relatively thin layers is better than a few thick ones. Thermal underclothes, being small and light, can be very useful. Bhutan is very conservative and you should dress accordingly. As a general guideline, shoulders and legs should be covered at all times. The wearing of shorts is not allowed (except while hiking) as it will restrict your entry into buildings of a religious nature and family homes. A water and windproof jacket is useful and a hat and sunscreen essential. Due to the altitude, it can be cold in the mountains even in the summer.

4. FLIGHT
Your flights into Paro, Bhutan, must be booked by you online. Please visit the following airline websites to do so:

Flights can be booked from: Bangkok, Kathmandu, Delhi or Kolkata (please check Visa requirements if flying via India). Once your flight is booked, contact your G Adventures agent, who will be happy to assist in booking your International connections.

Group Size Notes

Max 15, avg 12

Meals Included

10 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 10 dinners

Meals

Most meals in Bhutan are included in the cost of the trip – some are in the accommodation where it is the best quality/availability option. Most meals are served buffet-style with a selection of traditional Bhutanese food, some western-style (often pasta) as well as some Chinese. Fresh local vegetables are in abundance and while Bhutan is almost mostly vegetarian, there usually is one meat dish available (on some occasions, there can be shortages, as all meat is imported from India).

Transport

Private vehicle, walking.

About our Transportation

Traveling by road in Bhutan is certainly not what people are used to in Western countries. The roads in the mountains might not be the best but our drivers always keep the safety of the passengers first. Most roads consist of a series of switchbacks going up and back down mountain passes and can be quite bumpy. If you do suffer from motion sickness, we recommend you bring medication for the drives. We use private transport for the duration of this tour.

Accommodation

Hotel (5nts), camping (5nts).

My Own Room

Please note that if you have booked the “My Own Room” option for this tour, you will receive your own single room on all nights that are not spent camping.

My Own Room Exceptions

Days 4-8

About Accommodation

The idea of camping can be a daunting one. For those not accustomed to ‘roughing it’ for a few days we offer a full camping service. All tents are pitched for you, meals are prepared and served and the washing up is done by G Adventures staff. This leaves you with more time to enjoy your surroundings and is ideal for first-time campers who may be worried about the challenges such a trip can entail. When camping we are exposed to the elements, and whilst there are times when the weather is fine and temperatures are pleasant, there may be days when it is foggy, rainy and cool. In certain locations there may also be a number of bugs. These factors, however, should be seen as minor downsides to a camping experience which will allow you to get up close to the beautiful nature that Bhutan has to offer. All camping equipment (with the exception of your sleeping bag and pillow) is supplied. We supply canvas dome tents with built-in mesh insect nets on the doors and windows. Mattresses are also available, which are approximately 4cm thick, warm and comfortable.

While on trek, we provide full-service alpine camping at designated communal campsites. Your porters will be carrying your tents, which they will pitch for you at these sites. The campsites are fairly basic, and exposed to the elements. They will not have electricity, nor shower facilities, and toilet facilities are basic long drop latrines, which could become dirty at times (especially when it is raining), as other hikers share the same facilities. Your crew will prepare basins of warm water for washing daily. All camping equipment (with the exception of your sleeping bag and pillow) is supplied. All meals on the mountain will be prepared for you by your group’s cook.

This is a very active trip, meaning you will be on the move most of the time, so pack as lightly as possible. We provide one porter for every two travellers; your trekking gear will be carried by the porter in a water-proof duffel that we will provide. The maximum the porters are allowed to carry is 7.5kg/16.5lb per passenger. Please note that as you will be sharing the duffel with a fellow trekker from the group during the trek, a lightweight cotton or plastic bag is recommended to keep your gear separate.

Important to note:
- Please read the ‘Checklist’ section of this trip notes for additional details of what you need to bring for the trek on this trip.
- You will need to bring a comfortable medium sized day pack to carry the things that you will need during the day. This should have a waist strap or (better) a padded waist belt.
- The weather is subject to change in high altitude so layered clothing is recommended throughout the year.

Note: During the colder months (Oct-Apr) the mountains can be very cold, so please make sure you pack warm clothes.

Visas and Entry Requirements

For Bhutan, G Adventures will arrange the visa for you. The cost of the visa is included in the tour price. The Bhutanese visa is issued to your passport on arrival. No passport photos are currently required for this, but it’s always good to travel with a couple current photos.

In order to arrange the Bhutan visa, you must provide G Adventures with the following:
- Scanned colour passport copy
- Arrival and Departure flight details for Paro

These details need to be submitted to us 35-40 days before departure.

We will then arrange the Bhutanese visa for you. The visa letter will be forwarded to you 7-10 days before departure. We cannot get the visa letter issued any sooner. Please print out the visa letter, you will be required to show this before boarding your flight to Paro.

Important: If you are planning to extend your stay in Bhutan, pre- and post-tour accommodation MUST be booked through G Adventures in order for us to issue a valid visa for the duration of your stay.

If arriving and departing Paro from India, please note that the Indian government has recently made some changes to visa regulation due to misuse of the Tourist visa. We encourage all passengers to contact the Indian consulate or embassy in their home country to get up to date information on entry requirements. This is especially important for those planning on entering India multiple times in a two month period.

Foreigners holding an Indian Tourist visa, who after initial entry into India plan to visit neighbouring Nepal, Bhutan or Sri Lanka and then re-enter into India within 2 months need to get special authorization.

Money Exchange

There are ATMs in larger cities in Bhutan, and they will accept only Mastercard or Visa. As well, credit card can be used at larger hotels and shops but please note most places charge from 3-5% fees to use cards. The Ngultrum (local currency) is valueless outside of Bhutan so make sure that you change back all excess Bhutanese currency before you leave. It is possible to use Indian Rupees in Bhutan.

Emergency Fund

Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an ‘emergency’ fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!

Tipping

It is customary in Asia to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is expected – though not compulsory – and shows an expression of satisfaction with the people who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. You may do this individually, or your CEO will offer to collect the money and tip as a group. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from USD1-2 per person per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture. Also at the end of each trip if you felt your G Adventures CEO did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however as a guideline USD20-30 per person, per week can be used.

Optional Activities

We suggest you bring along USD80 for anything extra that may arise, but everything is typically included in the price of your tour.

Health

Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure.

You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that sometimes we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. In Asia pharmacies tend to stock the same western drugs as you get at home but they are usually produced locally so please bring the full drug name with you when trying to purchase a prescription drug. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings for trip specific information. G Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our CEO they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.

**HIGH ALTITUDE- This is medically defined as anything over 8,000 feet (2,440 meters). Most people can travel to 8,000 feet with minimal effects. However, everyone reacts to altitude differently and altitude sickness can on set with some people irrespective of fitness and age. For details on how to best prepare and what to do in the unlikely event you are effected on your adventure, please consult your physician.

Minimum Age

You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.

International Flights

Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.

Group Leader

Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guides.

PRODUCT_LINE: ADDP, ID: 23627

Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.

Itinerary

Day 1 Paro (1D)

Arrive in Bhutan, clear customs, and meet your CEO. Catch the included transfer to the hotel.

Go for a short orientation walk of the town and enjoy a local dinner with the group.

Day 2 Paro (1B, 1L, 1D)

Sights include Drugyel Dzong, a ruined castle that has repelled many invasions, Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest monastaries and Ta-Dzong, an ancient watch tower.

Included Activities:
Kyichu Lhakhang Temple Visit
Drugyel Dzong

Day 3 Paro (1B, 1L, 1D)

After breakfast, drive about 30 mins to the base of the famous Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest). Make the walk up through the mountains to this incredible location.

Included Activities:
Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery Hike

Day 4 Paro/Jele Dzong (1B, 1L, 1D)

Visit the Ta Dzong National Museum, before beginning the hike along the Druk Path to Jele Dzong.

Included Activities:
Ta Dzong National Museum
Druk Path Hike Day 1

Day 5 Jele Dzong/Jangchulakha (1B, 1L, 1D)

Continue hiking from Jele Dzong to Jangchulakha. Admire the spectacular mountain scenery and flowering rhododendron bushes around the trail.

Included Activities:
Druk Path Hike Day 2

Day 6 Jangchulakha/Jimilangtsho (1B, 1L, 1D)

Continue the hike through the mountains, heading for the lake at Jimelangtsho.

Included Activities:
Druk Path Hike Day 3

Day 7 Jimilangtsho/Simkotra (1B, 1L, 1D)

Trek along the Druk Path route to Simkotra Lake.

Included Activities:
Druk Path Hike Day 4

Day 8 Simkotra/Phajoding (1B, 1L, 1D)

Climb up to Phume La, where there is an opportunity for impressive views across the towering Himalaya peaks.

Included Activities:
Druk Path Hike Day 5

Day 9 Phajoding/Thimphu (1B, 1L, 1D)

Leaving Phajoding, trek down to Thimphu where the trek ends.

Included Activities:
Druk Path Hike Day 6

Day 10 Thimphu/Paro (1B, 1L, 1D)

Spend the day exploring the sights of Thimpu, including the Institute of Traditional Medicine Services and Folk Heritage Museum. Later, drive back to Paro and enjoy a final night with the group.